Committing to health with image of avocados

What We’ve Learned from COVID-19

The many trials and tribulations over the past few months have certainly taught us a lot. One of the most valuable lessons demonstrated is the importance of taking care of ourselves – both physically and mentally. While seniors continue to be most vulnerable to this distressing pandemic, a new report from the Centers for Disease… Read more »

prescribing life

The Growth of Functional Medicine

When I created Desert Health 10 years ago, one of the primary objectives was to elevate the work of our valley’s naturopathic doctors. Their philosophy of identifying the root cause of disease versus simply treating symptoms and “whole- person care” approach, taking time to understand and address lifestyle patterns, is significantly more effective than the… Read more »

In the Moment

Have you ever been hiking and noticed the vibrancy of the colors around you? Or walked out in the morning to listen to birds singing and noticed how blue the sky? Maybe the memories of those moments are still clear in your mind and the thoughts warm your heart. Those are the times you are… Read more »

Memory Decline or Dementia

Is It Age-Related Memory Decline or Dementia?

As we age, it is common to experience memory loss. It’s also common to question whether these events are simply due to age or if dementia is setting in. Fortunately, assessments are available to help answer this question. Age-related changes in the brain can be documented on imaging such as changes in brain blood flow… Read more »

knee arthritis

Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis

Take a moment to appreciate how often we use our knees. We use them every day whether we’re playing our favorite sport, going up the stairs at home, or simply walking around our neighborhood. As we age, our bodies start feeling the wear and tear of our joints, known as osteoarthritis. It’s estimated that roughly… Read more »

Varicose veins

Dispelling Myths about Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged serpentine veins underneath the skin of the legs. Whether your family has a history of varicose veins or you have only just discovered them, it is important to know the facts and what they could mean in the bigger picture of your health.  Here are the facts to some common myths… Read more »

bottles with electrolytes

Do We Need Electrolyte Drinks?

Electrolyte hydration drinks are big business. The market is valued at $1.5 billion per year and growing due to increased awareness about health and fitness, along with a desire to avoid carbonated beverages. But before you gulp down a Gatorade or Emergen-C, let’s discuss what electrolytes are, whether you need to supplement them and potential… Read more »

Steadiness: The Gift of Consistency

“However the seed is planted, in that way the fruit is gathered” is a Buddhist saying which seems particularly pertinent to being steady in our practices. It’s about showing up consistently and it’s during challenging times, such as this global pandemic, that we become aware of what we have harvested based upon choices we’ve previously… Read more »

Speaking from a Heart-Centered Place

Times are tough and the rawness of reality can be both cruel and surreal. With the uncomfortable dysfunction of the present and our unknown future, we have come to realize something needs to change, transform and transcend. It cannot go back to the way it was, as the way it was lends itself to why… Read more »

addressing suicide

Addressing Suicide Prevention

Suicide has surpassed car accidents as the number one cause of injury-related deaths in the United States, especially for cancer patients and teens.1,2 What if we could change that? Integrative medicine expert Deepak Chopra, MD and a collaboration of mental health experts and activists have launched the Never Alone Summit to bring awareness and solutions… Read more »

creams or pellets prescription

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Creams or Pellets?

Merely using a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy doesn’t guarantee lasting health benefits; it’s a lot more complex than that. Equally important is selecting the right delivery method—meaning the way in which the hormones enter the body and find their way to appropriate receptors to perform their work.  Not all bioidentical hormone treatments can effectively achieve… Read more »